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Please follow the procedures listed below to file a claim with the City of Boston. If you incurred damages or injuries caused by roadway and sidewalk defects or potholes within city limits, seeking a reimbursement or were involved in a collision with a vehicle owned or leased by the city, you must complete the Notice of Claim Form (PDF).

Your claim must include the following items:

1. Detailed Explanation of damages or injuries suffered.
2. Exact Location of Incident
3. Date of Incident
4. A $5.00 Filing Fee as stipulated by Chapter 13 of the Ordinances of 1981. (Money Order ONLY made payable to the City of Boston)

Items that may be included with your claim:

1. Itemized estimate of damages and/or receipts
2. Copy of Police Report if applicable
3. Copy of medical bills for personal injuries
4. If estimate of repairs is over $500, a second estimate may be required

* All claims for sidewalk, roadway or pothole incidents MUST be filed within thirty (30) days of the date of the incident per the Statute of Limitations Law, M.G.L. Chapter 84.

* All claims involving city owned or leased vehicles or personal injuries MUST be filed within two (2) years of the date of the incident per the Statute of Limitations Law, M.G.L. Chapter 258.

* The Office of the City Clerk will NOT process claims filed after the statute of limitation dates or without the $5.00 filing fee.

The City Clerk is ONLY responsible for the filing of your claim and has no further involvement once it is forwarded to the City's Law Department.

The City's Law Department requires sufficient time to complete an investigation of your claim. Compensation is paid only if the City of Boston is found liable. To preserve your rights, if the City does NOT pay your claim, you may pursue your matter in the appropriate state court within three (3) years from the date of the incident.

All subsequent inquiries about your claim must be directed to the Law Department at 617-635-4034 or 617-635-4071.